COVID-19
Fund

Your neighbours need your help. This pandemic is more than a public health crisis, and for Toronto's most vulnerable, the impacts of COVID-19 can be especially harsh. Food insecurity and unemployment are on the rise, as well as domestic violence and mental health struggles.

The best way to help is to support organizations at the frontline of helping those most affected by the pandemic. We've created the COVID-19 fund to make that simple and impactful. Join the fight by donating to the fund.

Charities

The COVID-19 fund consists of high-impact charities focusing on 3 important areas:

1 — Protecting the most vulnerable populations

There are over 7,000 people in Toronto experiencing homelessness, which puts them at a higher risk for infection. Refugees who have recently arrived struggle to find stability amidst the economic turmoil. The FCJ Refugee Centre and Haven Toronto provides vital services that directly help these vulnerable communities.

As we struggle through isolation, many of us may be cut off from our usual support systems. And for some, home is a dangerous place. The Assaulted Women's Helpline, Distress Centres of Toronto, and Kids Help Phone provide crucial telephone support services for women, children, the elderly, and those with mental health issues.

Haven Toronto

Haven Toronto is a drop-in centre where homeless seniors, marginally housed, and socially isolated men can feel safe, form and cultivate friendships, and become part of a community. Last year, they served roughly 250 to 400 clients every day. Drop-ins at Haven Toronto receive food and access to nurses, dental hygienists, and other health services.

Assaulted Women's Helpline

The Assaulted Women's Helpline provides 24/7 crisis counselling for women, seniors and others who need assistance in Ontario. Their counsellors recognize the danger of isolation in abusive relationships and are working to support individuals through difficult times.

Kids Help Phone

Kids Help Phone is a 24/7 support service available to young people across the country through calls, live chat, or text. In addition to providing crucial support and counselling for young people in crisis or need, they also refer them to other support services available to them. Every day, over 1,000 youth reach out to Kids Help Phone.

Doctors Without Borders Canada

Doctors Without Borders Canada (MSF) is leading the global COVID-19 response by providing case management, carrying out infection control, and building health structures to treat COVID-19 patients in over 70 countries.

StayWell

StayWell provide affordable accommodation for healthcare workers and patients who cannot reside at home and receive treatment at the same time. Currently, they provide 170 units at below market rates for healthcare workers on the frontlines of the fight against COVID-19 in Toronto.

3 — Providing food security those in need

1 in 8 households in Canada are food insecure. As millions of jobs are lost during the crisis, food banks will play a crucial role for even more families. Daily Bread Food Bank provides fresh and shelf-stable food to over 130 food banks and public libraries across Toronto.

Food bank

Daily Bread Food Bank

Daily Bread Food Bank provides healthy food for food insecure people across the GTA. Last year, they distributed 10 million pounds of food, 37% of which were fresh fruit and vegetables. In addition to food distribution, Daily Bread Food Bank also provides training and cooked meals to its partner food banks. Through their partnership with Toronto Public Health, they helped 191 food bank users access free dental services last year.

Our individual actions have enormous impacts on those around us. Washing our hands, social distancing, and staying home can save lives. If you want to do even more, here's how you can find local volunteer opportunities:

Spark Ontario has a dedicated COVID-19 page that lists all volunteer opportunities across Ontario.

Volunteer Toronto offers an email sign-up option to become part of their COVID-19 Volunteer Response Team.

Purposely lets you post offers of assistance or browse requests for help from your neighbors. These tasks usually range from picking up groceries to filling medication prescriptions.